Apparatus for marking one or more lines on a frame section or the like

ABSTRACT

The invention comprises a simple and reliable mechanical marking device for marking on a frame section for the shipbuilding industry a line that becomes straight when the section is bent to the desired curvature of the frame. The device operates with a physical curve representing the inverted form of the desired curvature and having a reduced scale in the longitudinal direction. The device comprises a frame structure carrying a marking means and a curve follower means that are rigidly interconnected. The frame structure is movable along the frame section in engagement with a longitudinal edge thereof, and the curve is mounted on the frame structure for movement therewith in the transverse direction and for movement relatively thereto in the longitudinal direction of the section with a speed, the ratio of which to the relative speed between the frame structure and the section is the same as the scale of the curve in the longitudinal direction.

United States Patent Ulrichsen Feb. 29, 1972 54] APPARATUS FOR MARKING ONE OR 1,577,569 3/1926 Donley ..33/41 E MORE LINES ON A FRAME SECTION 2,305,167 12/1942 Kasper ...33/23 C OR THE LIKE Primary Examiner-Harry N. l-laroian [72] Inventor: Borre BengtlJlrichsemKongsberg, Norway Attorney-Holman & Stern [73] Assignee: .ggvlglngsberg Vape'nfabrikk, Kongsberg, [57] ABSTRACT The invention comprises a simple and reliable mechanical [22] Fled: lune 1969 marking device for marking on a frame section for the ship- 21 1 Appl' 831,36 building industry a line that becomes straight when the section is bent to the desired curvature of the frame. The device operates with a physical curve representing the inverted form Foreign Application Dam of the desired curvature and having a reduced scale in the lon- June 10, 1968 Norway .2258 gimdiml dimtiml- The device comprises a frame carrying a marking means and a curve follower means that are 52 us. Cl. ..33/23 c, 33/42 rigidly f The frame P is mmb'e [51] Int. Cl ..B43l 13/10 the frame scam in engagement a longitudinal edge [58] Field of Search ..33/18 23 41 42 there, and the curve is "wumed the frame movement therewith in the transverse direction and for move- 56] References Cited ment relatively thereto in the longitudinal direction of the section with a speed, the ratio of which to the relative speed UNITED STATES PATENTS between the frame structure and the section is the same as the scale of the curve in the longitudinal direction 450,892 4/1891 Potter.... ..33/4l E 11 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures 1,014,012 1/1912 Lyon ..33/23C Patented Feb. 29, 1972 3,644,999

2 Shoots-Shoot l INVE'NTGK. Bans Bear-1- ljzrh'uosz'l Patented Feb. 29, 1972 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IA/V 6M7";

. 85x45 Eeum- Unique/v 617-: (as VJ BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION When bending frame sections and the like in the shipbuilding industry it is usual during the bending process to compare the section constantly with a mould of the desired shape. This method is very laborious because of the large dimensions involved, the frame sections having usually a length of about 15 m. Further, the method requires the use of bending apparatus of a specific design permitting the mould to be placed adjacent the section while the latter is located in the bending machine.

However, it is also known to mark on a frame section a curve corresponding to the inverse shape of the desired frame. Thereafter the section is bend until the curve marked thereon becomes straight, which the operator can ascertain by aiming along the line. With this method it will not be necessary constantly to compare with a large and cumbersome mould. However, with the method used till now, in which the line drawn corresponds to the inverse curved shape of the finished section, it is a presumption that the section is straight in advance. This is practically never the case and an additional straightening operation may therefore be necessary. Further, the known apparatus operates with a marking head controlled by numeric data from a perforated strip, which makes the apparatus very expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has for an object to provide a simple and inexpensive apparatus for marking on frame sections or the like one or more lines which will become straight when the section is bent into the desired longitudinal shape, while avoiding preliminary straightening of the section.

The apparatus according to the invention makes use of a mould, paper drawing or some other form of physically existing curve for the inverse longitudinal outline or curvature of the finished frame. The apparatus comprises a frame structure movable along the section and carrying a marking device movable transversely to the longitudinal direction of the section and the movement of which is controlled by the movement of a curve follower device transversely to the longitudinal direction of the curve, whereas the movement of the frame structure in the longitudinal direction is correlated with the relative longitudinal movement of the curve and the curve follower device. The apparatus is characterized by the combination (a) that the movement of the marking device relative to the frame structure is determined by the course of the curve, and (b) that the frame structure is adapted to be moved along the section while engag'ng one longitudinal edge of the same, whereby the curve will be marked on the section while using the longitudinal edge of the section as a reference line irrespective whether this edge is curved or not. Thus, if the section has a curvature, this will automatically be compensated, the lines being marked on the section with the longitudinal edge of the section as a reference, so that they will not exactly correspond to the basic curve but are modified relative to the same in accordance with the curvature of the section existing during the marking step. Therefore, in the apparatus according to the invention the course of the curve does not control the movement of the marking device directly but controls the movement of the latter relative to the frame structure, which at the same time is moved along the section and constantly engages one longitudinal edge of the same. In order that it shall still be possible to use the transverse movement of the follower device for controlling the marking device directly, which means a simplification and permits the follower device to be connected mechanically to the marking device, in a particularly convenient embodiment the curve is adapted to be moved in the transverse direction in accordance with the movement of the frame structure transversely to the longitudinal direction of the section. Such transverse movement of the frame structure will occur when the section is curved.

According to a further feature of the invention this movement of the curve in the transverse direction is obtained by connecting the curve mechanically to the frame structure, for example mounting it on the same.

In contrast to what is the case when a mould is to be compared directly with the frame during bending or serve as a rule for drawing the desired inverse curve, the curve, the outline of which is transferred to a line on the section, does not have to be made on full scale. Nor will the scale have to be the same in the longitudinal and the transverse direction. Thus, the curve may have a reduced scale (for example 1:10) in the longitudinal direction relative to the section. However, for reasons of accuracy it is preferred not to apply a reduction of the scale in the transverse direction.

When the curve has a reduced scale in the transverse direction, it is preferred to mount it for movement relative to the frame .structure in the longitudinal direction of the section with a speed, the ratio of which to the relative speed of the frame structure and the section corresponds to the scale of the curve in the longitudinal direction. Thereby the follower device may be rigidly connected to the marking device and mounted on the frame structure in such a manner as to follow the movement of the same in the longitudinal direction of the section. With other words, the required relative movement of the curve and the follower device in the longitudinal direction is performed by the curve.

The curve may be marked on a flexible sheet which is wound off from one roll and onto another when the frame structure moves along the section. According to another embodiment a carrier for a plate carrying the curve is guided on the frame structure in the direction of movement of the latter and engages driving means for moving the plate on the frame structure when the latter moves along the section. The position of the frame structure in the longitudinal direction of the section may be fixed by mutual engagement of a gear and a rack or the like, placed along the section, or by mutual frictional engagement of a rolling wheel and the section itself, and the carrier for the curve may be driven from the rolling wheel or the gear through driving means with the desired ratio of transmission.

The outline of the curve may be drawn on a flexible sheet or a plate by means of drawing machines, and the follower device may be adapted to follow the curve drawn, by manual adjustment in connection with a visual reading. However, the desired curve may also be cut as a groove or the like in a plate or sheet, and in that case the follower device may have a sensing member projecting into the groove so that the follower device will automatically follow the curve.

Further features of the apparatus according to the invention will appear from the following specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings FIG. 1 shows a plate or a flexible sheet on which a curve representing the inverse form of the finished frame section has been drawn or otherwise marked,

FIG. 2 shows a frame section on which there have been marked several lines with a curvature corresponding to the curve in FIG. 1, I

FIG. 3 shows the frame section after it has been bent into the desired shape in which the lines drawn are straight,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention in position on a frame section.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS As already mentioned, FIG. 1 shows a plate or sheet I having a curve 2 of a shape corresponding to the inverse shape of the finished frame. The curve 2 may be drawn on a rigid plate or a paper strip, for example by means of an automatic drawing machine. However, the curve 2 may also be milled as a groove 3 in a rigid plate or mould 4 (see FIG. 4). By means of the apparatus according to the invention, lines 6 of a shape corresponding to the curve 2 are drawn on a frame section 5.

1f the pitch of the finished frame shape is greater than the width of the frame section it will not be possible to draw the entire curve continuously on the frame section. In that case fractions of the line 6 are displaced parallel to themselves, which does not affect the remaining steps for producing the desired frame shape, since in any case all line fractions have to be straight when the frame has received its correct shape. In order that the line fractions shall not be too short it is preferred to mark two parallel lines on each fraction of the frame and by parallel displacement of the lines to move these a distance corresponding to the spacing of the two parallel lines, as appears from FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows the finished bent frame 7 with straight line fractions 6. When marking the line fractions 6 from one end of the frame section towards the other, the line fractions 6 are at first, as mentioned above, displaced downwards in parallel relation in order that the lines shall not come outside the frame section, and it is preferred as soon as possible to displace the line fractions back by a corresponding distance as shown in the drawing. Then, the line fractions 6 at one end of the finished bent frame will not only be straight, but will also be aligned with corresponding line fractions, if any, at the other end of the frame.

A preferred embodiment of a frame marking apparatus according to the invention is shown in FIG. 4. The apparatus consists of a substantially U-shaped frame structure 8 carrying a guide for a marking device 10 which will be described more closely later. The guide consists of two guiding rods 9 which at the bottom are stiffened by a connecting plate 11 and each of which carries a guiding roller 12. At the top the guiding rods 9 project through the yoke 13 of the frame structure 8 and are interconnected by a plate 14 above the yoke. The guiding rods 9 are displaceable relative to the yoke 13 and can be locked to the same by means not shown. Such displacement may be necessary when the frame section is narrow, in order that the rollers 12 may roll on the web portion 15 of the frame section 5 without being hampered by a bulb 16 that may be provided on the frame section.

Each of the legs 17 of the U-shaped frame structure 8 consists of a housing with a toothed wheel gearing. Each housing carries a large wheel 18 adapted to roll on the upper edge of the frame section 5, and a smaller wheel 19 engaging the web portion 15 of the frame section 5. Through the gearing provided in the housing the rolling wheel 18 drives a gear 20 projecting from the housing. Further, on each of the legs 17 a roller 21 is supported, which projects in the same direction as the gears 20. The rollers 21 engage a groove 23 in a bar 22 so as to carry the bar in such a manner that the latter can be dis placed relative to the frame structure 8 in the longitudinal direction of the frame section. The upper edge of the bar 22 is formed with teeth 24 engaging the gears 20. Therefore, when the frame structure 8 rolls along the frame section 5 the bar 22 will move relative to the frame structure 8, and the ratio of the speed of this movement to the speed of the movement of the frame structure relative to the frame section will depend on the gear ratio (for example 1:10) of the gearing provided in the legs 17. On the bar 22 there may, for example by means of screws 25, be attached a rigid plane plate 4 having a groove 3 representing the inverse shape of the desired longitudinal shape of the frame section 5, this shape being reproduced on the scale 1:1 in the direction transverse to the frame section, whereas the scale in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the gearing ratio between the rolling wheels 18 and the gears 20.

A follower device 26 having a pin projecting into the groove 3 is attached to a rod 27, which is also connected to the marking device 10, so that the follower device and the marking device are rigidly interconnected.

The marking device 10 is guided on the guiding rods 9 by means of three roller pairs 28 at each lateral edge of a plate 29. The rollers of each roller pair 28 are placed at an angle of for example 90 to each other, and only the foremost roller of each roller pair is visible in the drawing. The plate 29 carries two marking styluses 30 of any suitable kind for marking easily visible lines 6 on the frame section 5.

1n the embodiment shown the apparatus is intended to be moved by hand along the edge of a frame section 5. However, it will be understood that, if desired, the apparatus may also be equipped with a motor drive. Further, simultaneously with drawing the lines 6, further markings may be effected on the frame section 5 by means of additional grooves in the plate 4. It is regarded as fully satisfactory to drive the mould or model plate 4 by friction between the rolling wheels 18 and the frame section 5, but it will be understood that there is no objection to arranging the wheels 18 in toothed engagement with a rack or the like, which is fixed relative to the frame section. Further, it will be understood that the follower device 26 does not have to be guided positively in a groove 3, but may be guided by hand so as to follow a curve drawn on the plate 4. It is then checked visually that the follower device 26 follows the curve, and to facilitate this reading the follower device may comprise a magnifier.

When the upper line 6 approaches the upper edge of the frame section 5 the marking device 10 may be displaced relative to the follower device 26 so that both lines 6 will again come well inside the edges of the frame section 5. The extent of such a displacement is preferably equal to the spacing of the two marking styluses 30 so that after the displacement the upper marking stylus will mark a line constituting a prolongation of that line 6 which previously was the lower one. Owing to the possibility of parallel displacement the starting point for drawing the lines 6 may be chosen freely.

Since the apparatus rolls along one side edge of the frame section 5 and the groove follows the movement of the frame structure transversely to the longitudinal direction of the section, the marking will all the time take place with the edge of the frame section as a reference. It is therefore without importance whether or not the frame section is perfectly straight in advance.

In the embodiment shown the curve 2 is marked in the form of a groove 3 in a rigid plate or mould 4. However, the curve may also be marked on a flexible sheet which, when the frame structure is moved along the section, is wound off from one roll and onto another, both rolls being mounted on the frame structure 8.

What I claim is:

1. An apparatus for marking at least one curved line along a substantially flat side surface of an elongated bar, said bar being adapted to be bent in the plane of said surface transversely of the longitudinal axis of said bar such that said marked curved line becomes straight, whereby a frame section is formed having a desired curvature inversely related to said marked curved line, said apparatus comprising:

a frame structure having guide means engaging one longitudinal edge of said elongated bar, said frame structure being moveable longitudinally along said edge of said bar substantially in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said bar, and further being moveable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of said bar so as to follow any curvature of said longitudinal edge in said plane of said substantially flat side surface of said bar;

a marking device mounted on said frame structure for movement relative thereto in said transverse direction;

pattern means defining a reference curve pattern for said marked curved line, said reference curve pattern being inversely related to said desired curvature of said elongated bar, said pattern means being mounted for movement relative to movement of said frame structure in said longitudinal direction, and in said transverse direction so as to follow said curvature of said longitudinal edge of said bar in said plane of said side surface thereof;

drive means for effecting said relative movement of said pattern means with respect to said frame structure; and

curve follower means for controlling said movement of said marking device in said transverse direction, said curve follower means being mounted for movement together with said frame structure in said longitudinal direction, and for movement relative to said frame structure in said transverse direction, said curve follower means following said reference curve pattern defined by said pattern means.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said pattern means is mounted on said frame structure for movement relative thereto in the longitudinal direction of movement of said frame structure and together with the frame structure transversely thereof.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said pattern means comprises a curve marked on a flexible sheet which is rolled off from one roll and onto another when said frame structure moves along the elongated bar.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said pattern means comprises a curve marked on a rigid plate mounted on said frame structure for movement therewith.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said drive means for said pattern means comprises a roller mounted on the frame structure and adapted frictionally to engage said elongated bar and to drive said pattern means through a mechanical drive.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said drive means for said pattern means comprises a gear adapted to engage a stationary rack and to drive said pattern means through a mechanical drive.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said curve follower means is rigidly though adjustably connected to said marking device.

8. An apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein said marking device has a plurality of marking elements spaced in a direction transversely of the longitudinal direction of movement of said frame structure.

9. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said curve follower device is adapted to be manipulated so as to follow said pattern means under visual control.

10. An apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein said curve follower device comprises a magnifier for facilitating visual control.

11. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said curve follower device comprises a sensing member engaging said pattern means. 

1. An apparatus for marking at least one curved line along a substantially flat side surface of an elongated bar, said bar being adapted to be bent in the plane of said surface transversely of the longitudinal axis of said bar such that said marked curved line becomes straight, whereby a frame section is formed having a desired curvature inversely related to said marked curved line, said apparatus comprising: a frame structure having guide means engaging one longitudinal edge of said elongated bar, said frame structure being moveable longitudinally along said edge of said bar substantially in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said bar, and further being moveable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of said bar so as to follow any curvature of said longitudinal edge in said plane of said substantially flat side surface of said bar; a marking device mounted on said frame structure for movement relative thereto in said transverse direction; pattern means defining a reference curve pattern for said marked curved line, said reference curve pattern being inversely related to said desired curvature of said elongated bar, said pattern means being mounted for movement relative to movement of said frame structure in said longitudinal direction, and in said transverse direction so as to follow said curvature of said longitudinal edge of said bar in said plane of said side surface thereof; drive means for effecting said relative movement of said pattern means with respect to said frame structure; and curve follower means for controlling said movement of said marking device in said transverse direction, said curve follower means being mounted for movement together with said frame structure in said longitudinal direction, and for movement relative to said frame structure in said transverse direction, said curve follower means following said reference curve pattern defined by said pattern means.
 2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said pattern means is mounted on said frame structure for movement relative thereto in the longitudinal direction of movement of said frame structure and together with the frame structure transversely thereof.
 3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said pattern means comprises a curve marked on a flexible sheet which is rolled off from one roll and onto another when said frame structure moves along the elongated bar.
 4. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said pattern means comprises a curve marked on a rigid plate mounted on said frame structure for movement therewith.
 5. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said drive means for said pattern means comprises a roller mounted on the frame structure and adapted frictionally to engage said elongated bar and to drive said pattern means through a mechanical drive.
 6. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said drive means for said pattern means comprises a gear adapted to engage a stationary rack and to drive said pattern means through a mechanical drive.
 7. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said curve follower means is rigidly though adjustably connected to said marking device.
 8. An apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein said marking device has a plurality of marking elements spaced in a direction transversely of the longitudinal direction of movement of said frame structure.
 9. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said curve follower device is adapted to be manipulated so as to follow said pattern means under visual control.
 10. An apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein said curve follower device comprises a magnifier for facilitating visual control.
 11. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said curve follower device comprises a sensing member engaging said pattern means. 